2002 Liz Tilberis Grant Recipient – David E. Cohn

David E. Cohn, M.D.Ohio State University Targeting Tumor Blood Vessel Growth Factors with Antibodies as a New Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Project Summary

The dissemination of cancer cells from the primary tumor to distant organs through the blood is a characteristic of cancer progression. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, has been demonstrated to be necessary for the growth and spread of solid tumors, including ovarian cancer. The blood vessels supply nutrients to the tumor. Expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein has been implicated as a key component in angiogenesis, and VEGF has been identified in the ovaries and blood of women with ovarian cancer, with elevated VEGF levels predicting a poor prognosis. To try to stop VEGF activity, Dr. Cohn plans to develop novel immunization strategies against VEGF in women with ovarian cancer.

The dissemination of cancer cells from the primary tumor to distant organs through the blood is a characteristic of cancer progression. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, has been demonstrated to be necessary for the growth and spread of solid tumors, including ovarian cancer. The blood vessels supply nutrients to the tumor. Expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein has been implicated as a key component in angiogenesis, and VEGF has been identified in the ovaries and blood of women with ovarian cancer, with elevated VEGF levels predicting a poor prognosis. To try to stop VEGF activity, Dr. Cohn plans to develop novel immunization strategies against VEGF in women with ovarian cancer.

Bio

Dr. David Cohn is interested in the comprehensive treatment of women with gynecologic cancers. He has extensive experience in advanced surgical techniques, including advanced robotic and laparoscopic (minimally-invasive) procedures and radical pelvic and reconstructive surgery for the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers. Dr. Cohn is Board Certified in Gynecologic Oncology. He has been recognized as one of “America’s Top Doctors” for gynecologic cancer care.

Dr. Cohn is actively involved in research into the treatment and prevention of gynecologic cancers. He is in charge of many clinical trials as well as being a leader in laboratory research. He is part of the Immunology Group of Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Cohn has received many awards including those for his research in developing an ovarian cancer vaccine and for his research in hereditary uterine cancers. He is also widely recognized for his teaching expertise.

As a national and international leader in gynecologic research, physician-scientists at the OSU James Cancer Hospital have taken a leading role in designing, monitoring and publishing research work of the Gynecologic Oncology Group, an international clinical research organization. Dr. Cohn is an active member of this group.

Dr. Cohn received his medical degree from the Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. He completed his residency at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle and his fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.

The five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer has increased by only 8% in the last 30 years.

We are at a critical crossroads for supporting research into unlocking the mysteries of ovarian cancer. You can make a difference by supporting the research of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

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